Koh Chang is the second largest island in Thailand covering 429 square kilometers. It is mainly mountainous and its highest peak is Kao Saluk Pet rising 744 meters. It is covered with tropical rain forest and has many waterfalls. It is one of the most popular islands on Thailand’s east coast.

Tourists will be transported to the east side of the island as it faces the mainland. Because of the mountains, the area is untroubled by the monsoon and can be easily reached all year round.

Most of the eastern beaches are muddy or stony and are not suitable for swimming. The island’s villages, government offices and facilities are situated here. There are many tourist attractions in the east including waterfalls and fishing villages.

The west side of the island features white sand beaches and it is here where you will find the hotels. Sai Kao Beach (White Beach) is the main tourist center. There are many other beautiful beaches and outlying islands including:

Ao Klong Son is in the north of the island, 4 kilometers from Dan Kao Pier and Ao Sapparod Bay. The entrance is 1 kilometer from Baan Klong Son. It is a perfect bay, not too big or too small. It offers a tranquil atmosphere and privacy.

Sai Kao Beach(White Sand Beach) is world famous for its long white beach. It is very popular among tourists and has many economical hotels. There are asphalt roads along the seafront connecting to the other beaches. At night, it is very lively with neon lights from restaurants and small pubs. Tourists can enjoy swimming all along the beach, or they can rent bicycles or motorbikes. Sai Kao beach is one of the most fantastic sunset watching spots on Chang Island.

Klong Prao beach is next to Sai Kao beach and is very long. It adjoins Kai Bear Beach. As it is wide and clean, it is great for sports and lively activities. It is another terrific place to watch the sunset.

Kai Bear Beach connects to Klong Prao beach, one of the most popular beaches for foreign tourists. The accommodation ranges from very economical rooms to superior houses. It is a safe place to enjoy swimming and you can cycle to other beaches such as Klong Prao and Sai Kao beaches. It is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset.

Ao Bang Bao is at the bottom of the island. As it is sheltered from the storms, this area has many fishing villages. Their very unique houses are perched on stilts over the sea and have connecting walkways around them. It is not good for swimming because it is too close to the mangrove forests and the water is not clear. However, the atmosphere is lively with many colorful fishing boats traversing the waters and unloading their catches.

Ta Reu Dan Kao (Dan Kao Pier) is situated above Ta Reu Dan Mai. Although the soil beach is not good for swimming, it is suitable for fishing. Behind the village, there is a fresh water reservoir. Dan Kao is always used as a gateway to the other beaches.

Chai Ya Chet Peninsula is another fabulous place to watch the sunset. It is an amazing stony knoll offering panoramic vistas. There is a legend that there was a rock in the shape of a Thai dancer at the edge of the prominent peninsula so it was named after the literature titled Chai Chet written by His Majesty King Rama II.

There are abundant fishing opportunities. Tourists should be careful of sharp stones. The area around the peninsula is not suitable for swimming. Sunset watchers should bring a torch along in case they have to climb down the mountain to their hotels at night.

Klong Plu Waterfall is the only waterfall on the west of the island. It is situated 1.5 kilometers from Klong Prao beach. Underneath there is a pond surrounded by high rocks in which people can play. The waterfall is most beautiful during the rainy season because it is in full flow.

Tan Mayom Waterfall is middle sized but a giant in terms of reputation because Kings Rama IV, Rama V and Rama VI all visited it. There are 4 distinct levels, each of which is very beautiful. But most visitors never get beyond the first level as it is hard to climb.

Baan Salak Kog is a small fishing village and coconut plantation 20 kilometers from Daan Kao Pei. The landscape is flooded bog forest and villagers use small boats to travel. Cheap seafood can be bought here. The Wat Salak Kong Temple was built by King Rama V.

Baan Salak Pet is a community in the south of the island near a bay of the same name. There is a legend that the Bodhisattva had his men catch a male elephant named Plai Petch and so the area was named after it. The bay is large, and sheltered. It has a number of fishing villages. The beaches are a little muddy.

Baan Rong Tan is at the south of the island. It is small, peaceful and calm, sheltered from the elements. It is a fantastic place to enjoy the beauty of the island and its surroundings. The nearby mountains are impressive and to the east you will see Koh Prao. Kere Pet and Klong Nung waterfalls are close by.

Ao Bailan Haad Ta Num has recently become popular as backpackers try to escape the commercialization of Haad Kai Bear. The area still retains its natural beauty and the beach is peaceful but stony.

Koh Ngam is the nearest of the outlying islands, just 200 meters from Koh Chang and connected by a sand bar. It has 2 bays, Dream Lagoon and Sweet Lagoon, which are shallow and safe for swimming. The bay facing Koh Chang has a coral reef and provides excellent diving opportunities.

Koh Wai is to the south of Koh Chang and has 2 beaches. It is called ‘Red Rock of the Sea’ due to its coloring. It is famous for its coral reef that is excellent for diving and can also be viewed from the pier.

Koh Prao are 2 islands situated in Salak Pet Bay. They are covered in coconut trees and take their name from them. The inner island has a small beach and a few houses. The residents earn their livings oyster farming. The outer island has beautiful white sand beaches.

Koh Lao Ya is an island group to the south of Koh Chang. It comprise 3 islands: Inner Lao Ya, Middle Lao Ya and Outer Lao Ya. They have gorgeous powder-like white sand beaches and ample coral reefs. A bridge connects Inner Lao Ya to Middle Lao Ya.

Koh Man Nok, Koh Yourk and Koh Rom are good places to dive to see beautiful coral and interesting colorful fish.